On top of that, Messi is loyal to team-mate Luis Suarez up front, and does not want Barca to sign anyone who would threaten the Uruguayan’s place in Ernesto Valverde’s starting XI, according to Don Balon.

Lacazette has had a fine season for Arsenal, however, showing himself to be one of the club’s better performers in what has mostly been another dismal year.

One could easily sympathise with the France international if he felt he deserved a shot at playing for a bigger club more likely to win major honours.

Alexandre Lacazette has been linked with a transfer to Barcelona after his fine Arsenal form